Referees will now factor in interruptions like injuries, goal celebrations, and substitutions, stopping the clock whenever play is halted.
Time-Wasting Penalties: Both goalkeepers and outfield players can receive warnings, yellow cards, or other sanctions for delaying the game. Offside Rule: A player in an offside position can become “onside” if an opponent intervenes and plays the ball. Goalkeeper Behavior During Penalties: Goalkeepers may face penalties for trying to distract the player taking a penalty kick. Technical Area Regulations: Coaches are prohibited from crowding the technical area, and only one official is allowed in the designated area outside the team bench. Dissent: Players can be penalized for confronting the referee to demand a card or other actions. Foul Threshold: Referees might allow play to continue if awarding a free kick would unnecessarily disrupt the flow of the game. Law 1: The Field of Play: The playing field must be natural or conform to the competition’s specific regulations. Law 2: The Ball: The ball must be spherical and meet the required quality and size standards. Law 3: The Players: Each team consists of up to 11 players, with two teams competing in a match. Law 4: Player Equipment: Players must wear approved equipment and avoid wearing dangerous items. Law 5: The Referee: The match is overseen by a referee who holds full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game. Law 6: Other Match Officials: Assistant referees and additional officials assist the referee in managing the match. Law 7: Match Duration: A match is divided into two equal halves of 45 minutes, unless otherwise stated. Law 8: Kick-Off and Restart: The match begins with a kick-off, and the team that kicks off the first half is decided by a coin toss. Law 9: Ball In and Out of Play: The ball is considered out of play when it completely crosses either the goal line or touchline, or when the referee stops play. Law 10: Scoring a Goal: A goal is awarded when the entire ball crosses the goal line between the goalposts. Law 11: Offside: A player is offside if they are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defender. Law 12: Fouls and Misconduct: Direct and indirect free kicks, or penalty kicks, can be given for fouls committed while the ball is in play. Law 13: Free Kicks: Free kicks are awarded for various types of fouls, either direct or indirect. Law 14: Penalty Kick: A penalty kick is awarded when a foul occurs inside a player’s own penalty area. Law 15: Throw-In: A throw-in is awarded to the opposing team when the ball completely crosses the touchline. Law 16: Goal Kick: A goal kick is given when the ball fully crosses the goal line and was last touched by a player from the attacking team. Law 17: Corner Kick: A corner kick is awarded when the ball fully crosses the goal line and was last touched by a player from the defending team.
